Combining air cleaning methods for improved anti-contaminant efficacy and air cleaning arrays

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems described perform air cleaning and/or sanitization in a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and/or refrigeration (HVACR) system by detecting a concentration of airborne contaminants in a space serviced by the HVACR system. The detected concentration of airborne contaminants is determined whether it exceeds a threshold relative to a capacity of a first air cleaner. When the detected concentration of airborne contaminants exceeds the threshold, a second air cleaner is selected and enabled to be activated in the space. When the detected concentration of airborne contaminants does not exceed the threshold, the first air cleaner is selected and enabled to be activated in the space. The first air cleaner has a cleaning material different from the second air cleaner, and the first air cleaner, relative to the second air cleaner, treats the space at a lower concentration of airborne contaminants. The second air cleaner includes specifically designed cleaner modules.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to the improvement of air cleaning andsanitizing efficacy, for example in a heating, ventilation, airconditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system, whether for use inbuildings or for use in transport. More specifically, the disclosurerelates to systems and methods to improve air cleaning and sanitizingefficacy through the control of when and how to use an air cleaningand/or sanitization application from a selection of multiple aircleaning and/or sanitization applications, based on certaincircumstances.

BACKGROUND

Currently, the world is experiencing a global pandemic at levels unseensince 1919. Unlike the pandemic in 1919, we face different challenges toaddress the pathogen spread, for example, increased population anddensities of people, increased movement of people worldwide and thegeneral increasing interconnectedness of people worldwide, as well asthe technologies associated with accommodating these complications andincreases.

SUMMARY

This disclosure relates generally to the improvement of air cleaning andsanitizing efficacy, for example in a HVACR system, whether for use inbuildings or for use in transport. More specifically, the disclosurerelates to systems and methods to improve air cleaning and sanitizingefficacy through the control of when and how to use an air cleaningand/or sanitization application from a selection of multiple aircleaning and/or sanitization applications, based on certaincircumstances.

Specially designed cleaning and/or sanitization modules includingcertain size specifications and functionality may be employed in aircleaners and/or sanitizers implemented in the methods and systemsherein.

In an embodiment, a method for air cleaning and/or sanitization in aHVACR system includes detecting, with a sensor, a detected concentrationof airborne contaminants in a space serviced by the HVACR system. Themethod further includes determining, with a controller, whether thedetected concentration of airborne contaminants exceeds a thresholdrelative to a capacity of a first air cleaner. When the detectedconcentration of airborne contaminants exceeds the threshold, selectingwith a controller a second air cleaner, and enabling with a controllerthe second air cleaner to be activated in the space serviced by theHVACR system. When the detected concentration of airborne contaminantsdoes not exceed the threshold, selecting with a controller the first aircleaner, and enabling with a controller the first air cleaner to beactivated in the space serviced by the HVACR system. The first aircleaner has a cleaning material different from the second air cleaner.The first air cleaner, relative to the second air cleaner, to treat thespace serviced by the HVACR system at a lower concentration of airbornecontaminants.

In an embodiment, a system for air cleaning and/or sanitization in aHVACR system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and anevaporator. The compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator arearranged as a fluidly connected circuit to heat and/or cool a spaceserviced by the HVACR system. The system includes an air flow path. Theair flow path delivers air to the space serviced by the HVACR system.There is a fan within the air flow path, where one or more of thecondenser and evaporator of the fluidly connected circuit are in a heatexchange relationship with the air flow path. The system furtherincludes a first air cleaner having a capacity, the first air cleanerwithin the air flow path, and a second air cleaner, the second aircleaner within the air flow path. A controller controls activation ofthe first air cleaner and the second air cleaner, and a sensor detects aconcentration of airborne contaminants in the space serviced by the HVACsystem. The controller receives the detected concentration of airbornecontaminants in the space serviced by the HVAC system, and determineswhether the detected concentration of airborne contaminants exceeds athreshold relative to the capacity of the first air cleaner. When thedetected concentration of airborne contaminants exceeds the threshold,the controller selects the second air cleaner, and enables the secondair cleaner to be activated in the space serviced by the HVACR system.When the detected concentration of airborne contaminants does not exceedthe threshold, the controller selects the first air cleaner, and enablesthe first air cleaner to be activated in the space serviced by the HVACRsystem. The first air cleaner has a cleaning material different from thesecond air cleaner, and the first air cleaner, relative to the secondair cleaner, to treat the space serviced by the HVACR system at a lowerconcentration of airborne contaminants.

In an embodiment, the HVAC system is one of a ducted system or atransport system.

In an embodiment, the first air cleaner including a gaseous hydrogenperoxide generator.

In an embodiment, the second air cleaner is a photocatalytic oxidationair cleaner.

In an embodiment, an air cleaning apparatus includes one or more cleanermodules. Each of the one or more cleaner modules are mounted within aframe. The frame being a four sided parallelogram with a right angle.The air cleaning apparatus includes an electrical connector mounted oneach of the one or more cleaner modules. The electrical connectorconnects the air cleaner to power and to a control. The electricalconnector includes at least three wiring connections. The at least threewiring connections have a first and a second wiring location on opposingends relative to each other. The first and second wiring locations areconfigured to serially connect one of the one or more cleaner modules toanother cleaner module. The at least three wiring connections include athird wiring location being on a side that is the same as one of thefirst or second wiring locations and also at an opposite end from theone of the first or second wiring location. The third wiring locationlocated on a different side than the other of the first or secondwiring, and the third wiring location is configured to allow rotation ofthe module and to serially connect the one of the one or more cleanermodules to another cleaner module. The air cleaning apparatus isconfigured to be housed in a ducted system and within an air flow path.

In an embodiment, the air cleaning apparatus may be the second aircleaner in the system and methods described above.

In an embodiment, each of the one or more cleaner modules of the aircleaning apparatus includes or consists of four cells, and the one ormore cleaner modules include or consist of one to six, eight, or twelvecleaner modules in an array. The frame has a dimension of at or about11⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾ in, at or about 19⅜ in×19⅜ in×1¾ in, at or about 19⅜in×23⅜ in×1¾ in, or at or about 23⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾ in.

In an embodiment, an air cleaning apparatus includes an array of cleanermodules, each of the cleaner modules in the array having a frame. Theframe being a four sided parallelogram with a right angle. The aircleaning apparatus includes an electrical connector mounted on theframe. The electrical connector connects the second air cleaner to powerand to a control. The cleaner modules include two cells, and the arrayof cleaner modules consisting of four to six cleaner modules. The framehaving mounting locations, the mounting locations being bi-directional,the frame being mounted together with a heat exchanger, such as anevaporator. The second air cleaner configured to be housed in atransport system and within an air flow path.

In an embodiment, the air cleaning apparatus may be the second aircleaner in the system and methods described above.

In an embodiment, the frame has a dimension of at or about 165 mm×535mm×25 mm, or being at a dimension of at or about 6.5 in×21 in×1 in.

In an embodiment, the electrical connector mounted on the frame is atabout a midpoint of a side dimension of the frame which may be at orabout 165 mm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

References are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part ofthis disclosure and which illustrate the embodiments in which systemsand methods described in this specification can be practiced.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for air cleaningand/or sanitization in a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and/orrefrigeration (HVACR) system

FIG. 2A is a view of an embodiment of a fluid circuit which may beemployed as an HVACR system for air cleaning and/or sanitization.

FIG. 2B is a view of an embodiment of an HVACR system being a ductedsystem for air cleaning and/or sanitization. In an embodiment, FIG. 2Bis a perspective view of an air handler.

FIG. 2C is a view of an embodiment of an HVACR system being a transportsystem for air cleaning and/or sanitization. In an embodiment, FIG. 2Cis a perspective view of a mass-transit vehicle including a transportclimate control system.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are views of an embodiment of a cleaner module for aducted system.

FIG. 4 is a view of an embodiment of a cleaner module in a ductedsystem.

FIG. 5 is a view of an embodiment of a filter which may be replaced bythe cleaner module of FIGS. 3A or 3B.

FIG. 6 is a view of an embodiment of filter section which mayincorporate a plurality of cleaner modules of FIGS. 3A or 3B.

FIGS. 7A to 7D show views of multiple arrays of cleaner modules forvarious sizes of filter sections which may be used in a ducted system ofan HVACR system.

FIG. 8A is a side view of an embodiment of a cleaner module for atransport system.

FIG. 8B is side view of the cleaner module of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a side view of the cleaner module of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D is a partial exploded view of the cleaner module of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8E is a perspective view of the cleaner module of FIG. 8A assembledinto an embodiment of an array of cleaner modules.

FIG. 8F is a side view of the array of cleaner modules of FIG. 8E.

FIG. 8G is a side view of the array of cleaner modules of FIG. 8E.

FIG. 8H is a side view of the array of cleaner modules of FIG. 8E.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an embodiment of transport HVACRsystem, such as for a bus.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the transport HVACR system of FIG. 9Awith a top cover removed, and showing the array of cleaner modules ofFIGS. 8A to 8H mounted into the transport HVACR system.

FIG. 9C is a partial perspective view of the transport HVACR system ofFIG. 9A, and showing the array of cleaner modules of FIGS. 8A to 8Hdismounted from transport HVACR system.

FIG. 9D is a perspective view of the transport HVACR system of FIG. 9A,and showing the array of cleaner modules of FIGS. 8A to 8A removed fromthe transport HVACR system.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an array of cleanermodules.

FIG. 10B is a side view of the array of cleaner modules of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is a side view of the array of cleaner modules of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10D is a side view of the array of cleaner modules of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a transport HVACRsystem, and showing the array of cleaner modules of FIGS. 10A to 10Dmounted into the transport HVACR system.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the transport HVACR system of FIG.11A, and showing the array of cleaner modules dismounted from thetransport HVACR system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates generally to the improvement of air cleaning andsanitizing efficacy, for example in a heating, ventilation, airconditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) system, whether for use inbuildings or for use in transport. More specifically, the disclosurerelates to systems and methods to improve air cleaning and sanitizingefficacy through the control of when and how to use an air cleaningand/or sanitization application from a selection of multiple aircleaning and/or sanitization applications, based on certaincircumstances.

Methods and systems described perform air cleaning and/or sanitizationin a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and/or refrigeration(HVACR) system by detecting a concentration of airborne contaminants ina space serviced by the HVACR system. The detected concentration ofairborne contaminants is determined whether it exceeds a thresholdrelative to a capacity of a first air cleaner. When the detectedconcentration of airborne contaminants exceeds the threshold, a secondair cleaner is selected and enabled to be activated in the space. Whenthe detected concentration of airborne contaminants does not exceed thethreshold, the first air cleaner is selected and enabled to be activatedin the space. The first air cleaner has a cleaning material differentfrom the second air cleaner, and the first air cleaner, relative to thesecond air cleaner, treats the space at a lower concentration ofairborne contaminants. The second air cleaner includes specificallydesigned cleaner modules.

With the systems and methods described herein, including the cleanermodules detailed below, multiple cleaning technologies including aircleaning methods can be employed that work in all parts of a space(including dry hydrogen peroxide generation, or DHP) with supplementalair cleaning methods that work in concentrated spaces like air ducts orblower housings (for example photocatalytic oxidation, or PCO) toincrease the air cleaning and sanitizing efficacy through thecombination of the two technologies relative to application of either ofthem in isolation.

In an embodiment, the methods and systems herein can increase theefficacy of DHP by rapidly reducing the concentration of pollutants thatmay otherwise greatly outnumber the H2O2 molecules generated by dryhydrogen peroxide equipment. This supplemental air cleaning may becontrolled by a system that periodically or continually measures theconcentration of pollutants in the air, such that it only operates whennecessary to save energy and environmental noise associated withoperation of air cleaners, and to minimize the destruction of DHPmolecules by these air cleaning methods in periods of low airbornecontaminants.

Dry (i.e., gaseous) hydrogen peroxide, while proven effective againstpathogens, VOCs, and other pollutants in the air and on surfaces,operates at relatively low concentration levels in the air. Hydrogenperoxide molecules may be constantly being decomposed into othermolecules such as oxygen and water vapor. This can occur naturally whenDHP and associated hydroxyls come in contact with anything that itoxidizes, including pathogens like viruses and bacteria, or gaseousorganic chemicals like VOCs (volatile organic compounds). DHP moleculesalso attach to surfaces and decompose. As a result, equipment designedto introduce DHP molecules into the air needs to continually replenishthe supply of DHP to maintain concentration and efficacy.

As an example, this may occur at concentrations below 25 ppb, andtypically below 5 ppb.

Environments that have higher concentrations of molecules would besusceptible to react with DHP, those DHP molecules can rapidly become‘outnumbered’. Considering for example a space with tVOC (total VOC)concentrations measured at 500 ppb. While the DHP will react with VOCsto reduce this number, there may be 100× more VOC molecules than DHP;the relevant ratio may be much higher if one considers that multiple DHPmolecules may be needed to fully oxidize a single VOC molecule (theultimate biodegradation involves the creation of CO2, H2O and minerals).Over time, continually produced DHP cleans the air (assuming the rate ofintroduction of VOCs or other pollutants is lower than the rate at whichthe air-cleaning device generates the DHP molecules necessary to oxidizethose pollutants). However, when the stoichiometric ratio of VOCs to DHPis very high, DHP molecules may be overwhelmed by the sheer number ofmolecules to oxidize, and as a result experience reduced cleaning ratesin the air and on surfaces. Supplemental air cleaning methods thatoperate in a confined airflow, such as in-duct PCO, typically involvestronger oxidants produced at much higher rates than DHP, and decomposeDHP molecules as well as various air pollutants. This reduces theconcentration of DHP molecules available to oxidize pollutants in allparts of a given space, including air and surfaces. Depending on theconfiguration and use of a given space, concentrations of VOCs and otherpollutants in the air change over time, and can be chronic orevent-driven. As a result, the anti-pathogen efficacy of a DHP generatorfor that space may also change over time.

Anti-pathogen air and surface cleaning technologies typically performand report lab tests with pathogens, and often with other pollutantslike VOCs, but do not discuss the relative efficacy against pathogens inenvironments with higher concentrations of pollutants.

In addition to the efficacy problem stated above, another problem isthat air cleaning methods designed to reduce VOCs and other pollutantsin the air and concentrated in a given airstream (includingphotocatalytic oxidation equipment) consume energy, may require periodicmaintenance and/or consumable replacement, and may generate unwantedenvironmental noise. These methods also destroy DHP molecules, reducingthe ability of DHP to quickly oxidize pathogens and pollutants byreducing their concentration in a space. As such it is desired tooptimize the use of these multiple air cleaning technologies bydeploying them according to current conditions in the space.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 1 for air cleaningand/or sanitization in a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and/orrefrigeration (HVACR) system.

In an embodiment, the method 1 for air cleaning and/or sanitization in aHVACR system includes 2 detecting, with a sensor, a detectedconcentration of airborne contaminants in a space serviced by the HVACRsystem. The method further includes 4 determining, with a controller,whether the detected concentration of airborne contaminants exceeds athreshold relative to a capacity of a first air cleaner. At 6, when thedetected concentration of airborne contaminants exceeds the threshold,selecting with a controller a second air cleaner, and enabling with acontroller the second air cleaner to be activated in the space servicedby the HVACR system. At 8, when the detected concentration of airbornecontaminants does not exceed the threshold, selecting with a controllerthe first air cleaner, and enabling with a controller the first aircleaner to be activated in the space serviced by the HVACR system. Thefirst air cleaner has a cleaning material different from the second aircleaner. The first air cleaner, relative to the second air cleaner, totreat the space serviced by the HVACR system at a lower concentration ofairborne contaminants.

In an embodiment, a system for air cleaning and/or sanitization in aHVACR system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and anevaporator. The compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator arearranged as a fluidly connected circuit to heat and/or cool a spaceserviced by the HVACR system. The system includes an air flow path. Theair flow path delivers air to the space serviced by the HVACR system.There is a fan within the air flow path, where one or more of thecondenser and evaporator of the fluidly connected circuit are in a heatexchange relationship with the air flow path. The system furtherincludes a first air cleaner having a capacity, the first air cleanerwithin the air flow path, and a second air cleaner, the second aircleaner within the air flow path. A controller controls activation ofthe first air cleaner and the second air cleaner, and a sensor detects aconcentration of airborne contaminants in the space serviced by the HVACsystem. The controller receives the detected concentration of airbornecontaminants in the space serviced by the HVAC system, and determineswhether the detected concentration of airborne contaminants exceeds athreshold relative to the capacity of the first air cleaner. When thedetected concentration of airborne contaminants exceeds the threshold,the controller selects the second air cleaner, and enables the secondair cleaner to be activated in the space serviced by the HVACR system.When the detected concentration of airborne contaminants does not exceedthe threshold, the controller selects the first air cleaner, and enablesthe first air cleaner to be activated in the space serviced by the HVACRsystem. The first air cleaner has a cleaning material different from thesecond air cleaner, and the first air cleaner, relative to the secondair cleaner, to treat the space serviced by the HVACR system at a lowerconcentration of airborne contaminants. FIGS. 2A-11B show examples ofsystems and cleaner modules which may be implemented in such systems.

In an embodiment, the HVAC system is one of a ducted system or atransport system. See e.g. FIGS. 2A to 2C, respectively.

In an embodiment, the first air cleaner including a gaseous hydrogenperoxide generator.

In an embodiment, the second air cleaner is a photocatalytic oxidationair cleaner. See e.g. FIGS. 3A to 11B, respectively.

In FIG. 1 , it will be appreciated that the operational or processingflow of method 1 may include one or more operations, actions, orfunctions depicted by one or more blocks 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8. Althoughillustrated as discrete blocks, various blocks may be divided intoadditional blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, dependingon the desired implementation. As a non-limiting example, the blocks ofthe flow chart of method 1 may be performed by controller(s) describedherein or other suitable controller(s) having e.g., a processor and/ormemory.

It will be appreciated that the methods herein may be periodicallyoperated to measure or detect the airborne contaminant. In anembodiment, such period of time can be but is not limited to a minute ortwo, or several minutes, or over longer periods of time such as but notlimited to a range of minutes, of hours, specific time of day, specificoccupancy of the space, and the like.

FIG. 2A is a view of an embodiment of a fluid circuit which may beemployed as an HVACR system for air cleaning and/or sanitization.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant circuit 100, accordingto an embodiment. The refrigerant circuit 100 generally includes acompressor 120, a condenser 140, an expander 160, and an evaporator 180.The refrigerant circuit 100 is an example and can be modified to includeadditional components. For example, in an embodiment, the refrigerantcircuit 100 can include other components such as, but not limited to, aneconomizer heat exchanger, one or more flow control devices, a receivertank, a dryer, a suction-liquid heat exchanger, or the like.

The refrigerant circuit 100 can generally be applied in a variety ofsystems used to control an environmental condition (e.g., temperature,humidity, air quality, or the like) in a space (generally referred to asa conditioned space). Examples of such systems include, but are notlimited to, HVACR systems, transport systems, or the like. In anembodiment, a HVACR system can be a rooftop unit or a heat pumpair-conditioning unit.

The compressor 120, condenser 140, expansion device 160, and evaporator180 are fluidly connected. In an embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 100can be configured to be a cooling system (e.g., an air conditioningsystem) capable of operating in a cooling mode. In an embodiment, therefrigerant circuit 100 can be configured to be a heat pump system thatcan operate in both a cooling mode and a heating/defrost mode. A fan(shown in FIG. 2B and described below) can be provided to a heatexchanger such as the condenser 140 and/or the evaporator 180.

The refrigerant circuit 100 can operate according to generally knownprinciples. The refrigerant circuit 100 can be configured to heat and/orcool a liquid process fluid (e.g., a heat transfer fluid or medium(e.g., a liquid such as, but not limited to, water or the like)), inwhich case the refrigerant circuit 100 may be generally representativeof a liquid chiller system. The refrigerant circuit 100 canalternatively be configured to heat and/or cool a gaseous process fluid(e.g., a heat transfer medium or fluid (e.g., a gas such as, but notlimited to, air or the like)), in which case the refrigerant circuit 100may be generally representative of an air conditioner and/or heat pump.

In operation, the compressor 120 compresses a working fluid (e.g., aheat transfer fluid (e.g., refrigerant or the like)) from a relativelylower pressure gas to a relatively higher-pressure gas. The relativelyhigher-pressure gas is also at a relatively higher temperature, which isdischarged from the compressor 120 and flows through the condenser 140.In accordance with generally known principles, the working fluid flowsthrough the condenser 140 and rejects heat to the process fluid (e.g.,water, air, etc.), thereby cooling the working fluid. The cooled workingfluid, which is now in a liquid form, flows to the expander 160. Theexpander 160 reduces the pressure of the working fluid. As a result, aportion of the working fluid is converted to a gaseous form. The workingfluid, which is now in a mixed liquid and gaseous form flows to theevaporator 180. The working fluid flows through the evaporator 180 andabsorbs heat from the process fluid (e.g., a heat transfer medium (e.g.,water, air, etc.)), heating the working fluid, and converting it to agaseous form. The gaseous working fluid then returns to the compressor120. The above-described process continues while the heat transfercircuit is operating, for example, in a cooling mode (e.g., while thecompressor 120 is enabled).

FIG. 2B is a view of an embodiment of an HVACR system being a ductedsystem for air cleaning and/or sanitization. In an embodiment, FIG. 2Bis a perspective view of the HVACR system including an air handler 200.The air handler 200 can implement the fluid circuit of FIG. 2A. The airhandler 200 of an HVACR system includes a fan 250. In an embodiment, thefan is a centrifugal fan 250 as shown in FIG. 2B.

The air handler 200 includes an enclosure 260. In FIG. 2B, a side wallof the enclosure 260 is cutaway and the internal space of the enclosure260 is shown. In an embodiment, the enclosure 260 can be a generallyrectangular cabinet having a first end wall defining an air inletopening 270 (to allow air to flow into an internal space of theenclosure 260) and a second end wall defining an air outlet opening (notshown, to allow air to flow out of the enclosure 260 via an air outlet(that overlaps with the air outlet opening) of the fan 250). The airinlet opening 270 and air outlet opening are in connected to ducts in aducted system to deliver and return air into the air handler.

The air handler 200 also includes a primary filter 210 and a secondaryfilter 220. In an embodiment, the primary filter 210 and the secondaryfilter 220 can be one filter. It will be appreciated that the primaryfilter 210 and/or the secondary filter 220 can be a porous deviceconfigured to remove impurities or solid particles from air flow passedthrough the device. It will be appreciated that any one of the primaryand secondary filters 210, 220 may be replaced with an air cleaner. Forexample, the air cleaner may be a photo catalytic oxidation air cleaner(e.g. as shown in FIGS. 3A to 11B and described below). It will also beappreciated that any one of the primary and secondary filters may bereplaced by a different air cleaner, such as for example a DHPgenerator.

In an embodiment, outer surface(s) (e.g., the entire surface facing theairflow and/or the entire surface opposite to the surface facing theairflow) of the secondary filter 220 (and/or the primary filter 210) canbe covered (or coated or sintered) with e.g., a photocatalyst layer. Alight source can be added in the enclosure 260 to emit light on thephotocatalyst layer disposed on the outer surface(s) of the filter wherethe air passes through. In an embodiment, a solution is provided toachieve photocatalytic oxidation and/or ultraviolet germicidalirradiation on surfaces of the filter(s). In this embodiment, more spacemay be needed (e.g., for disposing the light source) in the enclosure260 (and thus a length of the enclosure may need to be increased, or thespace of other components within the enclosure 260 may be occupied bythe light source), air pressure drop may occur (e.g., due to the addedresistance to the air because of the added photocatalyst layer to thefilter) on the outer surface(s) of the filter, and/or a sealedinstallation may be needed (e.g., for the light source to prevent e.g.,UV light such as UVC light from being leaked out from the enclosure260). In this embodiment, the efficiency and efficacy of one-timefiltration and/or sterilization of air can be optimal because e.g., theouter surface(s) of the filter may cover the entire airflow passingthrough the filter.

The air handler 200 further includes a component (e.g., a coil) 230. Inone embodiment, the component 230 can be an air conditioning evaporatorcoil and/or heating coil (e.g. of fluid circuit in FIG. 2A) disposed inthe flow path of air passing from the air inlet opening 270 to the airoutlet opening of the enclosure 260 (which is also the air outlet of thefan 250). It will be appreciated that the component 230 can be differenttypes in that the working fluid can be e.g., refrigerant, water, or thelike. For example, when the working fluid is refrigerant, the component230 can be an evaporator coil for cooling, and/or can be a condensercoil for heating. For example, when the working fluid is water, thecomponent 230 can be tube(s) for chilled water to go through forcooling, and can be tube(s) for hot water to go through for heating.

In an embodiment, the air handler 200 also includes a humidifier 240configured to add moisture to the air to prevent dryness that can causeirritation in many parts of the human body or to increase humidity inthe air.

The air handler 200 includes a fan (or blower) 250. In an embodiment,the fan 250 can be a centrifugal fan having electric drive motor (notshown) to drive the fan 250 (e.g., to drive a shaft of the fan 250 andto rotate the impeller of the fan 250). It will be appreciated that acentrifugal fan is a mechanical device for moving air or other gasestoward the outlet of the fan in a direction at an angle (e.g.,perpendicular) to the incoming air from the inlet of the fan. Acentrifugal fan often contains a ducted housing to direct outgoing airin a specific direction or across a heat sink. The centrifugal fan canincrease the speed and volume of an air stream with rotating impellers.

In an embodiment, the air handler 200 can be combined with an aircleaning and/or sanitization system that is configured to purify airwithin a conditioned space. For example, the air handler 200 may havethe first and second air cleaners, along with a sensor and control tooperate the method and system described above in FIG. 1 . It will beappreciated that the air handler may employ a first air cleanerincluding a gaseous hydrogen peroxide generator and/or dry hydrogenperoxide, and a second air cleaner as a photocatalytic oxidation aircleaner (e.g. on the filters 220, 230 or as replacement cleanermodules).

For example, in FIG. 2D, a schematic view is shown of a conditionedspace 280. In the conditioned space is an air cleaner 225. In anembodiment, the air cleaner is a hydrogen peroxide generator and/or DHPapparatus. A sensor 290 is connected to controller 295, which connectedto both the air cleaner 225 as well as to the air cleaner in an airhandler 200, which may be similar to the air handler 200 in FIG. 2B. Itwill be appreciated that the air handler 200 may be any suitable HVACRsystem such as for a ducted system, for a transit vehicle, and/or for atransport climate control system (e.g. for FIG. 2C and any of the HVACRsystems described herein).

FIG. 2C is a view of an embodiment of an HVACR system being a transportsystem for air cleaning and/or sanitization. In an embodiment, FIG. 2Cis a perspective view of a mass-transit vehicle 10 including a HVACRsystem as a transport climate control system.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2C, the vehicle 10 is amass-transit bus that can carry passenger(s) (not shown) to one or moredestinations. In other embodiments, the vehicle 10 can be a school bus,railway vehicle, subway car, or other commercial vehicle that carriespassengers. Hereinafter, the term “mass-transit vehicle” shall be usedto represent all such vehicles, and should not be construed to limit thescope of the application solely to mass-transit buses.

FIG. 2C shows that the vehicle 10 includes a frame 15, a passengercompartment 20 supported by the frame 15, wheels 25, and a compartment30. The frame 15 includes doors 35 that are positioned on a side of thevehicle 10. As shown in FIG. 2C, a first door 35 is located adjacent toa forward end of the vehicle 10, and a second door 35 is positioned onthe frame 15 toward a rearward end of the vehicle 10. Each door 35 ismovable between an open position and a closed position to selectivelyallow access to the passenger compartment 20.

The vehicle 10 also includes an HVACR system, such as climate controlunit 75 attached to the frame 15 on a roof 85 of the vehicle 10. Theclimate control unit 75 is part of a transport climate control system(not shown) that is configured to provide climate control within thepassenger compartment 20. In some embodiments, the climate control unit75 can include a climate control circuit (such as the fluid circuitshown in FIG. 1 ) with one or more fans/blowers to provide climateconditioned air within the passenger compartment 20.

In an embodiment, the climate control unit 75 can be combined with anair cleaning and/or sanitization system that is configured to purify airwithin the passenger compartment 20. For example, the climate controlunit 75 may have the first and second air cleaners, along with sensorand control to operate the method of FIG. 1 .

While the climate control unit 75 is shown as a rooftop mount onto theroof 85, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the climatecontrol unit 75 can be located at other sides of the vehicle 10 (e.g.,mounted to a rear end of the vehicle 10).

The compartment 30 is located adjacent the rear end of the vehicle 10,can include a power system (not shown) that is coupled to the frame 15to drive the wheels 25. In some embodiments, the compartment 30 can belocated in other locations on the vehicle 1 (e.g., adjacent the forwardend, etc.).

It will be appreciated that the air handler may employ a first aircleaner including a gaseous hydrogen peroxide generator and/or dryhydrogen peroxide apparatus (e.g. 225 in FIG. 2D), and a second aircleaner as a photocatalytic oxidation air cleaner (e.g. on the filters220, 230 or as replacement cleaner modules).

In any of the systems and methods described herein, it will beappreciated that each of the first air cleaner and the second aircleaner may be configured as other types of cleaners and/or filters,alternatively, or in addition to a gaseous hydrogen peroxide generatorand/or a dry hydrogen peroxide apparatus and to a photocatalyticoxidation air cleaner. It will be appreciated that any suitable cleanersmay be employed in the systems and methods herein, where a first cleanerhas a capacity at a threshold that is less than the capacity andthreshold of the second cleaner. The specific cleaners may not be a DHPdevice or gaseous hydrogen peroxide generator, and may not be aphotocatalytic oxidation device, and it will be appreciated that othercleaning methods and respective cleaners may be implemented as suitableand/or necessary for the system and method.

In any of the systems and methods herein, it will be appreciated thatthe threshold may be based on any one or more species of contaminant.For example, the threshold may be based on total VOCs or totalparticulate matter or to a certain species of VOC or certain species ofparticulate matter. In an embodiment, the threshold thus can be based acertain species of contaminant or to a combination of contaminants. Itwill be appreciated that the sensor (e.g. 290) may be configured asappropriate to detect the appropriate information on the contaminantlevel(s) for the threshold in order to determine whether the thresholdhas been exceeded or not.

It will be appreciated that any of the systems herein can optionallyinclude one or more contamination sensors that are configured to monitorair quality (e.g., contamination) within the climate controlled space.The one or more contamination sensors can include one or more indoor airquality (IAQ) sensors and/or one or more contaminant sensors. In someembodiments, the one or more IAQ sensors can measure, for example, CO₂,total volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, temperature,humidity, etc. within the climate controlled space. In some embodiments,the one or more contaminant sensors can measure and identify specificspecies of contaminants e.g. biologicals, in the air.

In some embodiments, the controller (e.g. 295) can also monitor the oneor more contamination sensors for specific problematic species ofparticles (e.g., halogen particles).

It will be appreciated that the DHP device (e.g. 280) may be located inthe space serviced by the HVACR system (e.g. in room technology), in aduct of the system, and/or in the main unit of the system (e.g. thecabinet of the air handler or in the cabinet of the climate controlunit, such as in one non-limiting example where the hydrogen peroxidegenerator is not DHP). It will be appreciated that the DHP device may belocated as close to where air flow exits into the space (e.g. as closeto the room and within the air flow path of the system) (e.g. rightbefore a diffuser where the air flow enters the space).

It will be appreciated that the PCO cleaner may be located within thecabinet of the system, may be located within the duct, and/or may belocated where filters may be installed.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are views of an embodiment of an air cleaning apparatus.The air cleaning apparatus includes a cleaner module 300. In anembodiment, the cleaner module 300 is configured for a ducted system. Inan embodiment, the cleaner module 300 is a photocatalytic oxidation aircleaner.

In an embodiment, the air cleaning apparatus includes one or morecleaner modules (see e.g. FIG. 7 ). Each of the one or more cleanermodules 300 are mounted within a frame 310. The frame 310 being a foursided parallelogram with a right angle.

In an embodiment, the air cleaning apparatus includes an electricalconnector 320 mounted on each of the one or more cleaner modules 300.The electrical connector 320 connects the air cleaner to power and/or toa control. As shown, the cleaner module includes a power supply in eachcleaner module, though it will be appreciated the power supply can beeither incorporated into the cleaner module or separate from the cleanermodule, such as the control.

Each of the one or more cleaner modules 300 have four cells 330. The oneor more cleaner modules 300 have one to six, eight, or twelve cleanermodules in an array.

In an embodiment, the frame 310 has a dimension of at or about 11⅜in×23⅜ in×1¾ in, at or about 19⅜ in×19⅜ in×1¾ in, at or about 19⅜ in×23⅜in×1¾ in, or at or about 23⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾ in.

The electrical connector 320 includes at least three wiring connectionsand locations 322, 324, 326. The at least three wiring connections havea first and a second wiring location 322, 324 on opposing ends relativeto each other. The first and second wiring locations 322, 324 areconfigured to serially connect one of the one or more cleaner modules300 to another cleaner module. The at least three wiring connectionsinclude a third wiring location 326 being on a side that is the same asone of the first or second wiring locations and also at an opposite endfrom the one of the first or second wiring location. The third wiringlocation 326 located on a different side than the other of the first orsecond wiring (e.g. 324), and the third wiring location is configured toallow rotation of the module (e.g. 90 degrees rotation) and to seriallyconnect the one of the one or more cleaner modules 300 to anothercleaner module. The air cleaning apparatus is configured to be housed ina ducted system and within an air flow path. See e.g. FIG. 2B. In anembodiment, the air cleaning apparatus may be the second air cleaner inthe system and methods described above.

FIG. 4 is a view of an embodiment of a cleaner module in a ducted system400, which may be the air handler 200 of FIG. 2B. In an embodiment, theducted system 400 includes a filter 420, a cleaner module 430, and acontrol panel 440 to control the ducted system 400 including, forexample, the cleaner module 430. It will be appreciated that the cleanermodule 430 may be the cleaner module 300 as described above in FIGS. 3Aand 3B. In an embodiment, a mounting panel or panels for one or both ofthe filter 420 and cleaner module 430 may be disposed therebetween asshown in FIG. 4 .

FIG. 5 is a view of an embodiment of a filter 500 which may be replacedby the cleaner module 300 of FIGS. 3A or 3B. FIG. 5 shows a filter media530, top and bottom tracks and blockoffs 510, 512, as well as sideblockoffs 514. It will be appreciated that the cleaner module used toreplace the filter 500 may use appropriate blockoffs and tracks such asfor example the top and bottom tracks and blockoffs 510, 512 and sideblockoffs 514. It will be appreciated that the cleaner modules, e.g.cleaner module 300, may be used as drop in replacement of the filter500.

FIG. 6 is a view of an embodiment of filter section 600 which mayincorporate a plurality of cleaner modules of FIGS. 3A or 3B. In anembodiment, the filter section 600 includes a frame 660, which multiplecleaner modules, e.g. cleaner module 300, 430, may be mounted onto theframe 660.

FIGS. 7A to 7D are views of multiple arrays 700 of cleaner modules forvarious sizes of filter sections which may be used in a ducted system ofan HVACR system. It will be appreciated that multiple cleaner modules,e.g. cleaner modules 300, 430, of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4 , may be used inthe arrays shown in FIG. 7 . In FIG. 7 , four cleaner module sizes 730,732, 734, and 736 are shown. In an embodiment, the frames of the cleanermodule, respectively, can have width, length, and thickness dimensionsof at or about 11⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾ in (e.g. cleaner module size 734 havingfour cleaner modules in the array), at or about 19⅜ in×19⅜ in×1¾ in(e.g. cleaner module size 732 shown having two modules in the array), ator about 19⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾ in (e.g. cleaner module size 730 having onecleaner modules in the array), or at or about 23⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾ in (e.g.cleaner module size 736 having three cleaner modules in the array).These dimensions can accommodate 12×24, 20×20, 20×24, and 24×24 inchaspect filters, respectively, which are commonly known. It will beappreciated that other dimensions and sizes may be employed, and it willalso be appreciated that cleaner module array sizes may be mixed andmatched to satisfy the desired array size, as shown in the variations ofFIG. 7 . It will be appreciated that suitable and/or necessary blockoffs738 may be employed to fit the array(s) into the ducted space. It willalso be appreciated that the thickness may be 1 to 4 inches or moredepending on the aspect of the filter the cleaner module may replace. Asnon-limiting example, the thickness may be 1, 2, 3, or 4 in or any ⅛inch increment therebetween. It will be appreciated that the thicknessfor the cleaner module 330 in FIGS. 3A and 3B may be modified accordingto thicknesses as the above.

It will be appreciated that the width and length dimension may be othersfor example 23⅜ in×46¾ in (for nominal 24×48 size), or 23⅜ in×38¾ in(for nominal 24×40 size), or 19⅜ in×46¾ in (for nominal 20×48 size). Itwill be appreciated that other sizes may be desired, suitable, and ornecessary depending on system design.

In an embodiment, the array arrays 700 can cover the area of the airflow path, such as for the height and width of the air flow path in theair handler (e.g. 200), the ducts of the ducted system, and the like.

The cleaner modules herein may be implemented as photocatalyticoxidation devices to inactivate viruses, bacteria, and volatile organiccompounds present in the air. The cleaner modules herein can replace acurrently applied filter while realizing the photocatalytic oxidationadvantages. In an embodiment, the cleaner modules may employ awindowpane suppressor utilizing acoustic meta material applied to thestructure to increase surface area of applied material for acousticbenefits without negatively impacting performance of the fan or unit. Abenefit of this is the cleaner module can be compact enabling a user toapply it in a limited space

FIGS. 8A to 8D show views of another embodiment of a cleaner module 800for a transport system. In an embodiment, the cleaner module 800 may bethe second air cleaner in the methods and systems described above. In anembodiment, the cleaner module 800 is a photocatalytic oxidation aircleaner.

In an embodiment, the cleaner module 800 can be a part of an aircleaning apparatus, which includes an array of cleaner modules 800 (seee.g. FIGS. 8E to 8G). Each of the cleaner modules 800 in the array has aframe 810. The frame 810 being a four sided parallelogram with a rightangle. The air cleaning apparatus includes an electrical connector 875mounted on the frame 810. The electrical connector 875 connects thecleaner module 800 to power and/or to a control. In an embodiment, thecleaner modules include two cells 830. In an embodiment, an array ofcleaner modules includes four to six cleaner modules 800. In anembodiment, the frame 810 has a dimension of at or about 165 mm×535mm×25 mm, or being at a dimension of at or about 6.5 in×21 in×1 in. Inan embodiment, the frame 810 has mounting locations 870. In anembodiment, the mounting locations are bi-directional. In an embodiment,the frame 810 can be mounted together with a heat exchanger, such as anevaporator (see e.g. FIG. 8D). In an embodiment, the electricalconnector 875 is mounted on the frame 810 at about a midpoint of a sidedimension, such as for example at or about 165 mm.

FIGS. 8B and 8C are side views of the cleaner module of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8D is a partial exploded view of the cleaner module of FIG. 8A.FIG. 8D shows one of the two cells 830 exploded to view the internalelements. In an embodiment, the cell 830 includes internal supports 812,internal frame 808, and a cover sheet 814. The cell 830 includes aprinted circuit (PC) board 804, with circuitry on each side, andincludes ultraviolet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) lights. In anembodiment, the UV LED lights are UVA LED lights. In an embodiment, theUV LED lights are at or about 395 nm. In an embodiment, the PC board 804includes an internal frame 806 to support the PC board.

The cell 830 also includes a cellular structure 802 with the photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) material. In an embodiment, the cellularstructure 802 includes a graphene titanium dioxide as the PCO disposedon the cellular structure 802. It will be appreciated that other PCOmaterials may be employed as suitable and/or necessary. In anembodiment, the cellular structure 802 is a polyvinyl chloride (PCO)material. In an embodiment, the cellular structure 802 is a honeycomblike structure, where graphene crystals titanium dioxide is appliedthereto. In an embodiment, an internal frame 808 supports the cellularstructure 802 with its PCO material. It will be appreciated that theinternal frame 806, 808 can be flame retardant.

Fasteners 816 such as for screws may be used to appropriately assemblethe internal components shown together and to the frame 810.

FIG. 8E is a perspective view of the cleaner module of FIG. 8A assembledinto an array 890. In an embodiment, the array 890 includes a frame 892onto which each cleaner module 800 may be mounted. In an embodiment, thearray as shown has five cleaning modules 800. In an embodiment, theframe 892 of the array can include side members 894, a bottom member896, a top, as well as blockoffs 898. FIGS. 8F is a straight on view andFIGS. 8G to 8H are respective side views of the array 890 of cleanermodules of FIG. 8E.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the array 890 of FIGS. 8E to 8H mountedinto a transport HVAC system 900. In an embodiment, the transport HVACRsystem 900 can be used for mass transit, such as for example a bussimilar to FIG. 2C. The transport HVAC system 900 can implement thefluid circuit 10 for example as describe above in FIG. 2A. A top cover910 is shown over components of the fluid circuit.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the transport HVACR system 900 of FIG.9A with the top cover 910 removed, and showing the array 890 of cleanermodules of FIGS. 8A to 8H mounted into the transport HVACR system 900.In FIG. 9B, a compressor 920, a fan 950, and an evaporator 980 areshown. In an embodiment, the array 890 is shown mounted together withthe evaporator 980. Condenser fans (six shown) are also part of theHVACR system 900 (condenser not shown).

In an embodiment, the array 890 and its cleaner modules 800 can be thesecond air cleaner configured to be housed in the transport HVACR systemand within an air flow path, and employed in the systems and methodsdescribed above. In an embodiment, the array 890 covers the area of theair flow path, such as for example the height and width of theevaporator 980.

FIG. 9C is a partial perspective view of the transport HVACR system 900of FIG. 9A, and showing the array 890 of cleaner modules of FIGS. 8A to8H dismounted from transport HVACR system. FIG. 9D is a perspective viewof the transport HVACR system 900 of FIG. 9A, and showing the array 890of cleaner modules of FIGS. 8A to 8A removed from the transport HVACRsystem 900.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an array 1090 ofcleaner modules, such as for example cleaner modules 800. In anembodiment, the array 1090 includes a frame 1092 onto which each cleanermodule 800 may be mounted. In an embodiment, the array as shown has fourcleaning modules 800. In an embodiment, the frame 1092 of the array caninclude side members 1094, as well as blockoffs 1098. FIGS. 10B is astraight on view and FIGS. 10D and 10D are respective side views of thearray 1090 of cleaner modules of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a transport HVACRsystem 1100, and showing the array 1090 of cleaner modules of FIGS. 10Ato 10D mounted into the transport HVACR system 1100.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the transport HVACR system 1100 ofFIG. 11A, and showing the array 1090 of cleaner modules dismounted fromthe transport HVACR system 1100.

In an embodiment, the transport HVACR system 1100 can be used for masstransit, such as for example a bus similar to FIG. 2C but where thesystem 1100 is at the back of the vehicle rather than on top. Thetransport HVAC system 1100 can implement the fluid circuit 10 forexample as describe above in FIG. 2A.

The transport HVACR system 1100 includes a compressor 1120, a condenser1160 (fan may be on the back of the unit and is not shown), and anevaporator 1180 (see FIG. 11A). In an embodiment, the array 1090 isshown mounted together with the evaporator 1180.

In an embodiment, the array 1090 and its cleaner modules 800 can be thesecond air cleaner configured to be housed in the transport HVACR system1100 and within an air flow path, and employed in the systems andmethods described above. In an embodiment, the array 1090 covers thearea of the air flow path, such as for example the height and width ofthe evaporator 1180.

The methods and systems described herein, including the cleaner modules,can allow for layering of air cleaning methods, such as dry hydrogenperoxide, that work in all parts of a treated space at lowconcentration, with supplemental air cleaning and disinfectiontechnologies designed to interact with and oxidize pollutants in aconfined space or airflow with strong oxidation potential. The lattermay include photocatalytic oxidation, with or without grapheneenhancement, activated carbon filters, and other ionization methods. Onebenefit of this approach is that each technology used to work in anoptimized manner relative to the current conditions of a space. Forexample, when concentrations of pollutants are low, a low-concentrationsupply of DHP in the space (air and surfaces) may clean the air andsurfaces more effectively than waiting for a pollutant to be drawn intoa particular airstream, where more concentrated air cleaning destroysboth pollutants and DHP. However, when concentrations of pollutants arehigh, DHP or other low concentration cleaning methods may exhibit longcleaning times due to the relative concentration issue; at these timesit is advantageous to use supplemental air cleaning methods to rapidlyreduce the overall concentration of pollutants.

It does this by controlling supplemental air cleaning methods to ramp upwhen pollutants in the space are measured to exceed a certain threshold.In other words, while DHP generation may be a continual process, aircleaners designed to reduce pollutants rapidly in a concentrated spacedo not have to (and in combination with DHP should not) operateconstantly; they can be activated when those pollutants rise above athreshold, and turned off when those pollutants have been reduced toanother threshold. This is valuable because air cleaning technologyrequires energy consumption, destroys DHP molecules, and in the case ofactive air cleaning, generally produces environmental noise. Anotherbenefit of operating the supplemental air cleaning technology only whennecessary is that it may improve the service life of the supplementalair cleaning equipment and/or consumables.

The use of low-concentration air & surface cleaning methods such as dryhydrogen peroxide (DHP) in conjunction with a supplemental applicationof air cleaning and disinfection technologies designed to reduce VOCsand other pollutants in a concentrated airflow improves the long-termeffectiveness of DHP in the air and on surfaces against pathogens. Thisis true especially in environments that experience periods of highconcentrations of VOCs, due to the much larger number of VOC moleculeswith which DHP molecules will react and decompose.

The methods and systems herein can work both in environments withchronic, or long-lasting high VOC concentrations and in environmentswith event-driven acutely high VOC concentrations. For example, an eventthat can drive an acute high VOC concentration could be cooking,temporary chemical release, hand sanitizer use, or many other types ofevents in a given space. Chronic VOC concentrations could be the resultof a continuous process in a space, outgassing of building materialsincluding carpeting, finishes, or other causes. Because application ofDHP generating equipment typically targets a continuous, steady, lowconcentration of DHP in a space, any time the VOC or other pollutantconcentration is significantly higher than the DHP concentration, theeffective rate of anti-pollutant (including pathogen) efficacy may bereduced, and it is desirable to deploy a supplemental method to rapidlydestroy the higher concentrations of pollutants (even at the cost ofalso temporarily destroying accumulated DHP molecules in the space).

However, it may not be desirable to continuously operate photocatalyticoxidation (PCO) or other methods that work with strong oxidants in aconfined airflow due to energy consumption, noise, and the fact that italso destroys accumulated DHP that would otherwise providelow-concentration oxidation capability everywhere in the space includingon surfaces. This may be particularly true for event-driven acutely highconcentrations of VOCs. To solve this need and to optimize the solution,the invention includes a control algorithm based on measurements of VOCsand other pollutants in the space, measured or calculated DHPconcentrations in the space, physical considerations of the space(volume, airflows, etc.), the degree of hazard associated with measuredpollutants, etc. This is done through the use of an indoor air qualitymonitor or other existing device that uses a metal oxide or other typeof pollution sensor capable of measuring with sufficient concentrationresolution. When the sensor data shows that VOCs or other pollutants areabove a certain threshold, it triggers air cleaning equipment (such asgraphene enhanced PCO) to operate at an appropriate level. This can besimple on/off control, or more advanced control that operates the aircleaning equipment at a rate proportional to the severity of themeasured pollutant concentration in a space. The control algorithm mayalso be deployed in a predictive control configuration, when thehistorical trend of pollutant concentration in the space can be used incombination with real time data to predict high concentrations ofpollutants before they occur, and operate mitigation equipment toprevent the event. Finally, the control algorithm can be used todemonstrate the efficacy of air cleaning measures.

It will be appreciated that cleaning methods, in addition to or otherthan DHP and PCT, may be employed in the methods and systems herein.

Aspects

It is appreciated that any one aspects 1 to 7 can be combined with anyone or more of aspects 8 to 15, and that any one of aspects 8 to 14 canbe combined with aspect 15.

Aspect 1. A method for air cleaning and/or sanitization in a heating,ventilation, air conditioning, and/or refrigeration (HVACR) system,comprising:

-   -   detecting, with a sensor, a detected concentration of airborne        contaminants in a space serviced by the HVACR system;    -   determining, with a controller, whether the detected        concentration of airborne contaminants exceeds a threshold        relative to a capacity of a first air cleaner;    -   when the detected concentration of airborne contaminants exceeds        the threshold, selecting with a controller a second air cleaner,        and enabling with a controller the second air cleaner to be        activated in the space serviced by the HVACR system; and    -   when the detected concentration of airborne contaminants does        not exceed the threshold, selecting with a controller the first        air cleaner, and enabling with a controller the first air        cleaner to be activated in the space serviced by the HVACR        system,    -   the first air cleaner having a cleaning material different from        the second air cleaner, and the first air cleaner, relative to        the second air cleaner, to treat the space serviced by the HVACR        system at a lower concentration of airborne contaminants.        Aspect 2. The method of aspect 1, wherein the capacity of the        first air cleaner being a number of molecules of cleaning        material the first air cleaner can generate, and the threshold        being a stoichiometric ratio of the molecules of cleaning        material to molecules of the airborne contaminants.        Aspect 3. The method of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the HVAC system        is one of a ducted system or a transport system.        Aspect 4. The method of any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the        first air cleaner including a gaseous hydrogen peroxide        generator.        Aspect 5. The method of any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the        second air cleaner being a photocatalytic oxidation air cleaner.        Aspect 6. The method of any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the        second air cleaner comprising:    -   one or more cleaner modules, each of the one or more cleaner        modules mounted within a frame, the frame being a four sided        parallelogram with a right angle;    -   an electrical connector mounted on each of the one or more        cleaner modules, the electrical connector to connect the second        air cleaner to power and to the control,    -   each of the one or more cleaner modules includes four cells,    -   the one or more cleaner modules consisting of one to six, eight,        or twelve cleaner modules,    -   each frame being a dimension of at or about 11⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾ in,        at or about 19⅜ in×19⅜ in×1¾ in, at or about 19⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾        in, or at or about 23⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾ in, and    -   the electrical connector including at least three wiring        connections,    -   the at least three wiring connections having a first and a        second wiring location on opposing ends relative to each other,        the first and second wiring locations configured to serially        connect one of the one or more cleaner modules to another        cleaner module, and    -   a third wiring location being on a side that is the same as one        of the first or second wiring locations and at an opposite end        from the one of the first or second wiring location, and the        third wiring location located on a different side than the other        of the first or second wiring, the third wiring location        configured to allow rotation of the module and to serially        connect the one of the one or more cleaner modules to another        cleaner module, and    -   the second air cleaner being housed in a ducted system and        within the air flow path.        Aspect 7. The method of any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the        second air cleaner comprising:    -   an array of cleaner modules, each of the cleaner modules in the        array having a frame, the frame being a four sided parallelogram        with a right angle; and    -   an electrical connector mounted on the frame, the electrical        connector to connect the second air cleaner to power and to the        control    -   the cleaner modules including two cells,    -   the array of cleaner modules consisting of four to six cleaner        modules,    -   the frame being a dimension of at or about 165 mm×535 mm×25 mm,        or being at a dimension of at or about 6.5 in×21 in×1 in,    -   the frame having mounting locations, the mounting locations        being bi-directional, the frame being mounted together with the        evaporator,    -   the electrical connector mounted on the frame at about a        midpoint of the dimension at or about 165 mm, and    -   the second air cleaner being housed in a transport system and        within the air flow path.        Aspect 8. A system for air cleaning and/or sanitization in a        heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and/or refrigeration        (HVACR) system, comprising:    -   a compressor;    -   a condenser;    -   an expander;    -   an evaporator,    -   the compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator arranged as        a fluidly connected circuit to heat and/or cool a space serviced        by the HVACR system;    -   an air flow path, the air flow path to deliver air to the space        serviced by the HVACR system;    -   a fan within the air flow path,    -   one or more of the condenser and evaporator of the fluidly        connected circuit in a heat exchange relationship with the air        flow path;    -   a first air cleaner having a capacity, the first air cleaner        within the air flow path;    -   a second air cleaner, the second air cleaner within the air flow        path;    -   a controller to control activation of the first air cleaner and        the second air cleaner; and    -   a sensor to detect a concentration of airborne contaminants in        the space serviced by the HVAC system,    -   the controller to receive the detected concentration of airborne        contaminants in the space serviced by the HVAC system, and to        determine whether the detected concentration of airborne        contaminants exceeds a threshold relative to the capacity of the        first air cleaner;    -   when the detected concentration of airborne contaminants exceeds        the threshold, the controller selects the second air cleaner,        and enables the second air cleaner to be activated in the space        serviced by the HVACR system; and    -   when the detected concentration of airborne contaminants does        not exceed the threshold, the controller selects the first air        cleaner, and enables the first air cleaner to be activated in        the space serviced by the HVACR system,    -   the first air cleaner having a cleaning material different from        the second air cleaner, and the first air cleaner, relative to        the second air cleaner, to treat the space serviced by the HVACR        system at a lower concentration of airborne contaminants.        Aspect 9. The system of aspect 8, wherein the capacity of the        first air cleaner being a number of molecules of cleaning        material the first air cleaner can generate, and the threshold        being a stoichiometric ratio of the molecules of cleaning        material to molecules of the airborne contaminants.        Aspect 10. The system of aspect 8 or 9, wherein the HVAC system        is one of a ducted system or a transport system.        Aspect 11. The system of any one of aspects 8 to 10, wherein the        first air cleaner including a gaseous hydrogen peroxide        generator.        Aspect 12. The system of any one of aspects 8 to 11, wherein the        second air cleaner being a photocatalytic oxidation air cleaner.        Aspect 13. The system of any one of aspects 8 to 12, wherein the        second air cleaner comprising:    -   one or more cleaner modules, each of the one or more cleaner        modules mounted within a frame, the frame being a four sided        parallelogram with a right angle;    -   an electrical connector mounted on each of the one or more        cleaner modules, the electrical connector to connect the second        air cleaner to power and to the control,    -   each of the one or more cleaner modules includes four cells,    -   the one or more cleaner modules consisting of one to six, eight,        or twelve cleaner modules,    -   each frame being a dimension of at or about 11⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾ in,        at or about 19⅜ in×19⅜ in×1¾ in, at or about 19⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾        in, or at or about 23⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾ in, and    -   the electrical connector including at least three wiring        connections,    -   the at least three wiring connections having a first and a        second wiring location on opposing ends relative to each other,        the first and second wiring locations configured to serially        connect one of the one or more cleaner modules to another        cleaner module, and    -   a third wiring location being on a side that is the same as one        of the first or second wiring locations and at an opposite end        from the one of the first or second wiring location, and the        third wiring location located on a different side than the other        of the first or second wiring, the third wiring location        configured to allow rotation of the module and to serially        connect the one of the one or more cleaner modules to another        cleaner module, and    -   the second air cleaner being housed in a ducted system and        within the air flow path.        Aspect 14. The system of any one of aspects 8 to 12, wherein the        second air cleaner comprising:    -   an array of cleaner modules, each of the cleaner modules in the        array having a frame, the frame being a four sided parallelogram        with a right angle; and    -   an electrical connector mounted on the frame, the electrical        connector to connect the second air cleaner to power and to the        control    -   the cleaner modules including two cells,    -   the array of cleaner modules consisting of four to six cleaner        modules,    -   the frame being a dimension of at or about 165 mm×535 mm×25 mm,        or being at a dimension of at or about 6.5 in×21 in×1 in,    -   the frame having mounting locations, the mounting locations        being bi-directional, the frame being mounted together with the        evaporator,    -   the electrical connector mounted on the frame at about a        midpoint of the dimension at or about 165 mm, and    -   the second air cleaner being housed in a transport system and        within the air flow path.        Aspect 15. An air cleaning apparatus, comprising:    -   one or more cleaner modules, each of the one or more cleaner        modules mounted within a frame, the frame being a four sided        parallelogram with a right angle;    -   an electrical connector mounted on each of the one or more        cleaner modules, the electrical connector to connect the air        cleaner to power and to a control,    -   each of the one or more cleaner modules consists of four cells,    -   the one or more cleaner modules consisting of one to six, eight,        or twelve cleaner modules,    -   each frame being a dimension of at or about 11⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾ in,        at or about 19⅜ in×19⅜ in×1¾ in, at or about 19⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾        in, or at or about 23⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾ in, and    -   the electrical connector including at least three wiring        connections,    -   the at least three wiring connections having a first and a        second wiring location on opposing ends relative to each other,        the first and second wiring locations configured to serially        connect one of the one or more cleaner modules to another        cleaner module, and    -   a third wiring location being on a side that is the same as one        of the first or second wiring locations and at an opposite end        from the one of the first or second wiring location, and the        third wiring location located on a different side than the other        of the first or second wiring, the third wiring location        configured to allow rotation of the module and to serially        connect the one of the one or more cleaner modules to another        cleaner module, and    -   the second air cleaner being configured to be housed in a ducted        system and within an air flow path.

Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinwith reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it is to beunderstood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of thedisclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functionsor constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring thepresent disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted aslimiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representativebasis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ thepresent disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Additionally, the present disclosure may be described herein in terms offunctional block components and various processing steps. It should beappreciated that such functional blocks may be realized by any number ofhardware and/or software components configured to perform the specifiedfunctions. For example, the present disclosure may employ variousintegrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, processingelements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like, which may carryout a variety of functions under the control of one or moremicroprocessors or other control devices.

The scope of the disclosure should be determined by the appended claimsand their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given herein.For example, the steps recited in any method claims may be executed inany order and are not limited to the order presented in the claims.Moreover, no element is essential to the practice of the disclosureunless specifically described herein as “critical” or “essential.”

The terminology used in this specification is intended to describeparticular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms“a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms as well, unless clearlyindicated otherwise. The terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” whenused in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components.

With regard to the preceding description, it is to be understood thatchanges may be made in detail, especially in matters of the constructionmaterials employed and the shape, size, and arrangement of parts withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. This specificationand the embodiments described are exemplary only, with the true scopeand spirit of the disclosure being indicated by the claims that follow.

1.-16. (canceled)
 17. A system for air cleaning and/or sanitization in aheating, ventilation, air conditioning, and/or refrigeration (HVACR)system, comprising: a compressor; a condenser; an expander; anevaporator, the compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator arrangedas a fluidly connected circuit to heat and/or cool a space serviced bythe HVACR system; an air flow path, the air flow path to deliver air tothe space serviced by the HVACR system; a fan within the air flow path,one or more of the condenser and evaporator of the fluidly connectedcircuit in a heat exchange relationship with the air flow path; a firstair cleaner having a capacity, the first air cleaner within the air flowpath; a second air cleaner, the second air cleaner within the air flowpath; a controller to control activation of the first air cleaner andthe second air cleaner; and a sensor to detect a concentration ofairborne contaminants in the space serviced by the HVAC system, thecontroller to receive the detected concentration of airbornecontaminants in the space serviced by the HVAC system, and to determinewhether the detected concentration of airborne contaminants exceeds athreshold relative to the capacity of the first air cleaner; when thedetected concentration of airborne contaminants exceeds the threshold,the controller selects the second air cleaner, and enables the secondair cleaner to be activated in the space serviced by the HVACR system;and when the detected concentration of airborne contaminants does notexceed the threshold, the controller selects the first air cleaner, andenables the first air cleaner to be activated in the space serviced bythe HVACR system, the first air cleaner having a cleaning materialdifferent from the second air cleaner, and the first air cleaner,relative to the second air cleaner, to treat the space serviced by theHVACR system at a lower concentration of airborne contaminants, the HVACsystem is configured in one of a transport system or a ducted system,the second air cleaner comprising: one or more cleaner modules, each ofthe one or more cleaner modules mounted within a frame, the frame beinga four sided parallelogram with a right angle; an electrical connectormounted on each of the one or more cleaner modules, the electricalconnector to connect the second air cleaner to power and to a control,each of the one or more cleaner modules includes four cells, the one ormore cleaner modules consisting of one to six, eight, or twelve cleanermodules, the electrical connector including at least three wiringconnections, the at least three wiring connections having a first and asecond wiring location on opposing ends relative to each other, thefirst and second wiring locations configured to serially connect one ofthe one or more cleaner modules to another cleaner module, and a thirdwiring location being on a side that is the same as one of the first orsecond wiring locations and at an opposite end from the one of the firstor second wiring location, and the third wiring location located on adifferent side than the other of the first or second wiring location,the third wiring location configured to allow rotation of the module andto serially connect the one of the one or more cleaner modules toanother cleaner module, and the second air cleaner being housed in aducted system and within the air flow path; or an array of cleanermodules, each of the cleaner modules in the array having a frame, theframe being a four sided parallelogram with a right angle; and anelectrical connector mounted on the frame, the electrical connector toconnect the second air cleaner to power and to a control the cleanermodules including two cells, the array of cleaner modules consisting offour to six cleaner modules, the frame being a dimension of at or about165 mm×535 mm×25 mm, or being at a dimension of at or about 6.5 in×21in×1 in, the frame having mounting locations, the mounting locationsbeing bi-directional, the frame being mounted together with theevaporator, the electrical connector mounted on the frame at about amidpoint of the dimension at or about 165 mm, and the second air cleanerbeing housed in a transport system and within the air flow path.
 18. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the capacity of the first air cleaner beinga number of molecules of cleaning material the first air cleaner cangenerate, and the threshold being a stoichiometric ratio of themolecules of cleaning material to molecules of the airbornecontaminants.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the first air cleanerincluding a gaseous hydrogen peroxide generator.
 20. The system of claim17, wherein the second air cleaner being a photocatalytic oxidation aircleaner.
 21. An air cleaning apparatus for an HVACR system, comprising:one or more cleaner modules, each of the one or more cleaner modulesmounted within a frame, the frame being a four sided parallelogram witha right angle; an electrical connector mounted on each of the one ormore cleaner modules, the electrical connector to connect the aircleaning apparatus to power and to a control, each of the one or morecleaner modules consists of four cells, the one or more cleaner modulesconsisting of one to six, eight, or twelve cleaner modules, theelectrical connector including at least three wiring connections, the atleast three wiring connections having a first and a second wiringlocation on opposing ends relative to each other, the first and secondwiring locations configured to serially connect one of the one or morecleaner modules to another cleaner module, and a third wiring locationbeing on a side that is the same as one of the first or second wiringlocations and at an opposite end from the one of the first or secondwiring location, and the third wiring location located on a differentside than the other of the first or second wiring location, the thirdwiring location configured to allow rotation of the module and toserially connect the one of the one or more cleaner modules to anothercleaner module, and the one or more cleaner modules being configured tobe housed in a ducted system and within an air flow path.
 22. The aircleaning apparatus of claim 21, wherein each frame being a dimension ofat or about 11⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾ in, at or about 19⅜ in×19⅜ in×1¾ in, at orabout 19⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾ in, or at or about 23⅜ in×23⅜ in×1¾ in.